We live in a society that values technological advancement over most other things.
This focus on artificial computing, on physical/material advancement, on this externalization of intelligence, is in direct conflict with the essence of spirituality - which is not physical, not intellectual, but a felt, visceral experience.
Culture teaches us to distrust the value in lived experience, in our emotions, in the wisdom of our bodies, and so the idea of taking spirituality seriously, of seeing it as a healthy priority in life, seems almost laughable:
“You’re asking me to put down my core operating system - the one that I’ve built my entire life upon, the one that anchors me to my communities and my current sense of belonging, the one that is trumpeted and celebrated by almost every piece of media I come into contact with - in order to take a chance on ‘my feelings’?
… are you out of your fucking mind?”
The tragedy in this, is that without spirituality, without connection to something greater than ourselves, we exponentially multiply the chances for suffering.
We neglect and ignore arguably one of our most innate and human needs.
In distrusting the possibilities of a spiritual connection, we unknowingly obstruct the very richness and fulfillment that we’re so hoping technology will bring us.
Furthermore, I think spirituality is often made out to be “fringe”, with much of the mainstream narrative focusing on extreme or misportrayed practices of spirituality, instead of presenting it as a normal, beneficial part of everyday life.
Because in reality, spirituality is actually very simple.
To me, spirituality is the study of life itself, from many different angles.
Combining an intellectual appreciation for the beauty and intelligence of life, with the felt sense of openness to and reverence for the mystery and un-knowability of this experience.
I hope to do my part in normalizing and demystifying spirituality and what it means to have a spiritual life.
I think that MANY would more easily find happiness, peace, and fulfillment, if they understood how the habit of studying life could lead them to the changes they hope to see in their life.